Concert Review: Wye Oak @ The Troubadour - West Hollywood, CA

Alright, alright. This will be the very first edition of concert reviews by Watercolours. I hope to have much more to come, as I will be attending several shows within the months of April and May.

It's only natural that I start off this (soon to be) long stream of reviews with one of my favorite and dearest artists, Wye Oak. I found out the duo was heading to the Troubadour on February 23 and I immediately got onto the Troubadour's website and purchased tickets for myself and my roommate. She didn't know the band very well, but I assured her that it was going to be an amazing time and experience.

Any who, a little background about of the band is essential. Wye Oak is comprised of the lovely, adorable, and yet badass Jenn Wasner and her partner in crime, Andy Stack. The two are from Baltimore, Maryland. Their original name was actually "Monarch," but they decided to stick to their roots and thought "Wye Oak" was a better fit considering it is the state tree of Maryland.

So yes, Wye Oak makes up an awesome duet. And really, who doesn't love duets?? You may think you need a full band to get the full effect of their live show--well think again. The tiny, crammed, and charming Troubadour atmosphere made for an amazing setting for these two as well. Their sound was so loud (in a good way) and so crisp that I was sure there was a full band lurking around somewhere. I am not sure if any of you have listened to their new album titled "Civilian," (if you haven't, shame on you!) but the very first track off of the album reminded me so very much of the chatter that surrounded the venue prior to when Wye Oak hit the stage on Thursday night. Although they did not open with this track, (titled "Two Small Deaths") "The Alter" also made for an epic, yet ethereal opening.

Surprisingly following "The Alter" was their single off of their new album, titled "Holy Holy," (I thought that they'd play this in the encores, but I was not complaining of the song's early arrival). As soon as I heard those first few chords and the synchronized banging of Stack's drums, I knew this song was going to be promising. Wye Oak is the perfect example of an "indie rock" group. Wasner's soft voice adds a comforting and soothing feel to their music, but the two can easily switch from mellow and graceful guitar riffs to some rockin' and (almost) head bangin' jams. "Holy Holy" definitely exemplifies these incredible transitions, as does "The Alter" and "Civilian."

"Dogs' Eyes" was also equally stunning live. On the record, "Dogs' Eyes'" chords (as my friend Rachel mentioned) resemble some of Modest Mouse's tracks. However, seeing and hearing it live added a whole 'nother twist, a "Wye Oak twist" if you will. This track was a little speedier live, which was just great. I loved swaying along to the chorus and then breaking down to some foot stompin' and intense listening when the tune inevitably shifted gears from an elegant folky melody to heavy guitar riffs.

With all this said, let's just say I was more than happy to hear that they were coming back to play three more encores. This included, "For Prayer," "Strangers," (which is a Kinks cover) and "Doubt," which Wasner played "all by her lonesome," as she said before she switched from her electric guitar to her acoustic. I never really appreciated "Doubt" all that much (it wasn't my favorite off of their album Civilian) until I heard it live, and until I realized what the lyrics were all about. To put it simply, as Wasner said, "this song is about anyone who has loved someone, but the timing just wasn't right." The lyrics read, "What I have learned of you/Does not assure your bow before my will/But I believed it then/Believe it still/Oh I believed it then/Believed it still," which shows the difficulties of timing and love. "Doubt" was beautifully sung by the smooth and gentle voice of Miss Jenn Wasner, and it was a wondrous yet quick ending to a memorable show.

Check out their Facebook page if you want to find out more about them! I highly recommend it, click below!

Wye Oak